Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR

This report examines the growth of the tourism industry in Lao PDR, analyzing its economic contributions and the environmental risks associated with trade liberalization. It provides strategic policy recommendations to ensure the sector remains sustainable and supports conservation efforts.

• The tourism industry in Lao PDR experienced significant growth between 1990 and 2006, with visitor numbers increasing from just over 14,000 to 1.21 million, generating 173.2 million dollars for the economy.
• Growth in the tourism sector is attributed to national promotion policies, increased relationships with the U.S., Europe, and Australia, and improved regional integration through ASEAN.
• To ensure sustainability, the report recommends strengthening the Lao National Tourism Authority's engagement with the private sector, exploring industry certification at national and provincial levels, and supporting conservation in National Protected Areas and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

APA

Sipaaseuth,, S. M. (2008). Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr

Chicago

Sipaaseuth,, Sounh Manivong,Somxay. Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2008. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sipaaseuth, |first1=Sounh Manivong,Somxay |title=Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=23 January 2008 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sipaaseuth2008environmental, author = {Sipaaseuth,, Sounh Manivong,Somxay}, title = {{Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2008}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/environmental-impacts-trade-liberalization-tourism-sector-lao-pdr}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }